Usually, Mondstat summers were beautiful and serene. This one, well, was much like hell.
This whole week was atypical.
While the knights were usually busy, things seemed to be spiraling a bit more than usual.
Hirichuls encroached further into villagers homes while the unexplainable heatwave that hit Mondstat increased everyone's stress levels.
Jean was hidden behind a huge stack of paper work, eyes throbbing from the constant strain with no afternoon teas or late night conversations to look forward too.
The acting grandmaster hadn't properly seen Diluc or Lisa in days.
The winery was constantly being invaded by thirsty patrons, bugs and other rodents seeking shelter from the sweltering sun. This drew Master Diluc's attention away from the city in an effort to protect and provide his wine.
Even Lisa's flirty but always welcomed presence was hidden away from public view! She locked herself in the library, claiming that the very fragile books needed to be kept out of the harsh rays. Besides, she wouldn't be caught drinking tea with ice, even if it killed her!
The other option has been Barbara, but she too, had been trapped away in the Cathedra. The sister's working tirelessly, providing aid to those who were suffering from heat stroke and other heat related ailments.
This left Jean to suffer in silence, not that she didn't mind! Really! Despite her constant reassurances to her friends, she actually did look forward to those little moments of companionship when they "forced" her to accept it.
Lisa's absence wasn't the only one. Kaeya could barely function. He became sluggish and clumsy, his usual cool personality shifted, melting away with his cryo abilities. They had both agreed it would be reckless to let him continue his duties in the field.
This left one active member patrolling both the city streets and the outskirts of their country.
The heat had no effect on the pyro user and her visions. In fact, it seemed to boost it, giving her energy and strength and much more confidence in her usefulness to the organization.
"Outrider Amber reporting for duty!"
That cheery voice caused Jean to glance up over the stack, only to see two red bunny ears peeking over the top.
"Oh! Good! You're here!" She said, getting up to stretch her legs, inwardly cringing at the slight stickiness of her clothes on her skin. The heat had settled within the castle walls too, it seemed.
"I need you to take the lead a bit for captain Kaeya. I'm afraid he has to take a much more… Administrative stance until the weather stabilizes." Jean said, Amber still standing in salute.
While everyone else had a flush to them, sweat gathering on foreheads, the brunette looked very comfortable in her skin and clothes.
"Sure thing, acting grandmaster! Would you like me to continue to report on the elemental reactions too? Keep an eye on the treasure hoarders scoping the trade routes? Look out and confront the Dark Knight!?"
"Eh…" Jean hesitated just briefly on the last part. Surely, Diluc wouldn't be making a presence for a bit. "Yes. Everything you can. You will continue to be our most diligent and valuable eyes and ears, outrider." The blonde recovered smoothly, at least Amber didn't seem to notice her pause.
Then again, Amber was practically beaming, no, vibrating. The air around her sparking a bit in small orange flames and Jean's eyes widened just slightly at the horrible thought of the very flammable and important papers turning into ash.
"Anything for you!" Amber answered loudly, hopping around in her genuine excitement that never seemed to be diluted.
She knew she was asking a lot from the gliding champion of Mond, but she had full faith that Amber could handle it. She had proven her worth and skill many times, and Jean had given Amber a part of her heart.
Just as she had to everyone else in her family.
"Good girl." She whispered, a small albeit exasperated smile was on her lips.
The flashbacks of Amber looking up to Jean years ago, the girl appears seeking some sort of praise from her, erupted in the grandmaster's mind followed by a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.
Hang on…
She lifted her hand, reaching out to stop her little bird, who was barely an adult. Her gut instinct was never something to be ignored, so it's sudden appearance for such a light and airy environment was even more troubling.
As quick as the feeling arose, Amber was faster. She had left the office and was probably out there gliding over the city. Already out of Jean's reach.
Gliding into a danger Jean nor anyone else, would ever think they'd have to confront.